Hi Fellow Champions, my name is Ashley and I was a Champion in 2012 and again in 2013 as a Lesson Plan Coordinator. My drive and goal throughout my Kinesiology Degree was to be a High School Physical Education teacher, little did I know that when you enter a classroom with Jo Sheppard your world and views align and change at the same time.

I knew I had passion, patience and advocacy but with Jo and her dedication to the Champs program, it elevated ever ounce of what I wanted to do in my life for others.

Oh a memory… There are so many but I’d love to spread a laugh at this time of Global uncertainty.

Have you ever wondered why you may have been the favourite in school? Was it because you were punctual, smart, creative, and truly trying to the best of your abilities …. or did you have the biggest brown eyes and were so sweet that I believed you when you told me your friend stole your mother’s day card and said it was your own! To this day, she is the most vivid in my memories, I got tricked by a small 5 year old!

As I say, there were so many good memories! Earning respect from the 6th graders, children coming to you for advice and being so thankful that you are there for them.

I’m so thankful for the experiences I’ve had and the knowledge I’ve gained  through the Champs Program

With Jo and my peers, I am forever thankful, without you I would not be where I am today. I miss you all and hope you are staying safe and healthy.

Since graduation in 2014 I’ve been apart of 4 Agencies within Community Living British Columbia working the Front Lines with Youth and Adults with Adverse Abilities

And four weeks ago I became   a Manager for a group home on Vancouver Island